How to get to Cala Goloritze Beach
Discover the gem of Sardinia, Italy – Cala Goloritze Beach, one of the best beaches in Italy (or perhaps even Europe)! This picturesque beach is a paradise for those seeking an adventure amid untouched nature. This hidden beach is a true paradise with crystal-clear turquoise waters, towering limestone cliffs, and soft sand.
If you love trekking and exploring the wilderness, this beach should definitely be on your bucket list. With no roads leading directly to the beach, the only way to reach it is through a hike or boat (and a swim). But the journey is well worth it, as the sight of the beach and its surroundings are breathtaking.
The beach is also famous for its high pinnacle that stands 143 meters above the cove, providing an awe-inspiring view of the surroundings.
Another unique feature of Cala Goloritzé is the natural arch that opens up on the right side of the bay, adding to the natural charm of the beach. The beach is composed of small white pebbles and sand, offering a perfect spot for sunbathing, swimming, and taking in the beauty of the Mediterranean Sea.
Cala Goloritzé is not just a beautiful beach but also a testament to the power of nature. So, come and explore this unique and picturesque destination that is sure to take your breath away!
Where is Cala Goloritze?
The stunning beach is located near the town of Baunei in the southern part of the Gulf of Orosei, in the beautiful region of Ogliastra, Sardinia.
Tickets for Cala Goloritze
Discovering the breathtaking Cala Goloritzé is now more exclusive than ever. To preserve the beauty of this natural wonder, only a limited number of 250 daily visitors are allowed to access the beach.
This is a necessary measure to keep this authentic gem of nature unspoiled.
To access the beach, visitors must purchase a 6-euro ticket. Additionally, you can book your access and visit Cala Goloritzé through the Heart of Sardinia app, available for download on iOS and Android.
iOS: Heart of Sardinia
Android: Google Play
The reservation process is entirely free and can be made as early as 72 hours in advance or as close as one minute before accessing the beach. This ensures a hassle-free and smooth experience for everyone.
In the off-peak season, you can walk up to the ticket office and buy your tickets from the hut, but we still found it was extremely busy.
Parking for Cala Goloritze
To reach Cala Goloritze, follow the road signs for “Golgo” and Cooperativa Goloritze from Baunei. The journey to the Golgo Plateau takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic.
Keep an eye out for the sign that points towards Cala Goloritze, and continue on the dirt road that leads to the parking area.
Once you’ve arrived, leave your car in the car park and head towards Bar Su Porcheddu. It is the last spot where you can purchase drinks and sandwiches and where the hiking trail to Cala Goloritze begins.
You can also camp here, which we did when we visited. That way, you will be one of the first people on the trail and have the beach to yourselves (for a short while).
You can follow the Google Maps directions here. Just download offline maps for the area in case you lose the signal.
How to get to Cala Goloritze Beach
Getting to Cala Goloritze is an adventure, with two options available to travellers – by rental boats or by hike.
Boat Ride
If you prefer a scenic boat ride, you can take a ferry or private boat from the nearby ports of Santa Maria Navarrese, Arbatax or Cala Gonone.
During the summer months, plenty of boat tours are available that offer a stunning view of the coastline and take you as far as they are allowed.
To protect the pristine beauty of Cala Goloritzé and preserve it for future generations, the coast near the beach has been closed to motorboat traffic. No motorboats are allowed within 200 meters of the shore, ensuring the beach remains free from pollution and overwhelming crowds of tourists.
This measure has been put in place to ensure that the natural beauty of Cala Goloritzé remains intact, allowing visitors to enjoy the peace and tranquillity of this hidden gem without any external disturbances.
Hike to Cala Goloritze Beach
However, hiking is the way to go if you’re looking for an adventure and want to get up close and personal with nature. The hike to Cala Goloritze is a challenging trek requiring a good fitness level, but the reward is worth it.
The hike starts from the Golgo plateau, which is located near the town of Baunei. From here, the trail winds through the rugged terrain of the Supramonte Mountains, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The hike is around 4 km long and takes about two hours, but the journey is filled with stunning views of the limestone cliffs and the Mediterranean Sea. The trail is not for the faint of heart, as it includes a vertical drop of 470 meters.
There is an information board when you set off with the details of the hike, and the trail is well-maintained, which means that you can’t get lost (just don’t go off the path).
Once you reach the beach, you can dip in the refreshing waters or relax on the soft sand. The hike back can be challenging, so bringing plenty of water and wearing comfortable hiking shoes is essential.
How was Cala Goloritze formed?
Cala Goloritzé was created by a landslide in 1962. This natural disaster led to the formation of this stunning cove that has become one of the most evocative destinations in Sardinia.
About Cala Goloritze Beach
- Goloritzè was declared a “Natural Monument” by the Region of Sardinia in 1993, recognizing its outstanding natural beauty and unique features.
- In 1995, it was named an “Italian National Monument” to protect further and preserve this beautiful beach.
- Cala Goloritzé is one of the stops on the famous Selvaggio Blu (Sardinia) trekking route, which offers hikers a chance to explore some of the most beautiful and remote areas of Sardinia’s coastline.
- An Italian trust is authorized to collect an entrance fee from visitors to Cala Goloritzé.
- During peak season, up to 800 people may want to visit the beach, but only 250 are allowed per day to maintain the beach’s natural beauty.
- The entrance fee is 6€ per person, used to “protect and clean” the beach.
Helpful Tips
Prepare for the hike: The hike to the cove takes around 1.5 – 2 hours, so bringing a backpack with plenty of water is essential. We recommend carrying at least 2 litres of water per person.
It’s also crucial to wear appropriate footwear, such as hiking shoes, to ensure your safety and comfort during the hike.
Plan for the return journey: Remember that you’ll have to hike back up the trail to the Golgo plateau, so it’s essential to leave enough time to complete the return journey before or during sunset.
The sun typically starts to descend behind the rocks around 4 PM, so plan your hike accordingly to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
Other Places to Discover in the Area
If you plan to visit the beautiful beaches of Sardinia, add Cala Mariolu and Su Porteddu to your list. These two stunning beaches are near Arbatax and Santa Maria Navarrese, respectively.
And if you’re up for more adventure, take advantage of the opportunity to explore the nearby Grotta del Bue Marino, a mesmerizing cave system that will leave you in awe of nature’s beauty. With so much to explore in this breathtaking region of Italy, you’ll always have places to discover.
There are many other beautiful places to visit nearby, including Cala Gonone and the nearby beach of Cala Luna, which we love.
FAQ
Can you walk to Cala Goloritzè?
Yes, you can reach Cala Goloritzè by hiking. The beach is located in a remote and wild area of Sardinia, and it is only accessible by foot or by boat. The hiking trail is quite challenging, and it takes around 1.5-2 hours to complete, depending on your fitness level.
The path starts from the Golgo plateau, which can be reached by car or on foot from Baunei. It is essential to wear appropriate hiking shoes, bring plenty of water and snacks, and follow the marked trail to ensure your safety.
How do I get from Cagliari to Cala Goloritzè?
The distance between Cagliari and Cala Goloritzè is around 160 kilometres, and the best way to get there is by car. You can rent a car from Cagliari Airport or the city centre and follow the road signs to Baunei.
The journey takes 2-2.5 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Cagliari to Baunei and then hike to Cala Goloritzè.
What is the closest airport to Cala Goloritzè?
The closest airport to Cala Goloritzè is Olbia Costa Smeralda Airport, located around 140 kilometres from the beach. You can rent a car from Olbia Airport and drive to Cala Goloritzè via the SS131 state road and the SP46 regional road.
The journey takes around 2.5-3 hours, depending on traffic and weather conditions. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Olbia to Baunei and then hike to Cala Goloritzè (it is a pretty long way up to the start, though).
Where is Cala Goloritzè Beach?
Cala Goloritzè Beach is part of the town of Baunei, in the southern part of the Gulf of Orosei, in the Ogliastra region of Sardinia, Italy. The beach is in a secluded cove, surrounded by limestone cliffs and crystal-clear waters.
It is part of the Gennargentu National Park, known for its rugged and unspoiled nature, and it is accessible only by foot or by boat. The nearest town is Baunei, located around 10 kilometres from the beach.
Overall Thoughts
Cala Goloritze is an absolute must-visit destination for anyone travelling to Sardinia. From the crystal-clear waters to the stunning natural formations, this beach has something for everyone.
The hike to the cove may be challenging, but it’s worth the effort. And once you’re down there, take a moment to soak in your surroundings’ beauty. It’s truly a magical experience that you won’t soon forget.
So if you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable beach adventure, add Cala Goloritze to your Sardinia road trip itinerary.
Photo Credits: Average Lives